Marketplace Morning Report: Who is Most Affected by Cuts to Public Broadcasting?

Release Date: May 26, 2025
Host: Sabri Ben Asure (In place of David Brancaccio)

Overview

In this episode of the Marketplace Morning Report, Sabri Ben Asure delves into the ramifications of President Donald Trump's recent executive order aimed at cutting federal funding for public broadcasting. The report highlights the potential impact on local public radio stations, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities. Additionally, the episode explores the burgeoning representation of Latino stories in Broadway musicals, showcasing the evolving landscape of American theater.

Federal Funding Cuts to Public Broadcasting

President Trump's executive order seeks to eliminate federal funding for Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), labeling them as "biased and outdated." This move has sparked significant concern among public media organizations and their listeners.

• Sabri Ben Asure introduces the issue: "President Donald Trump is pushing to end federal funding for public broadcasting… it's not yet clear if Trump has the legal authority to do that." (02:15)

Impact on Local Public Radio: The Case of KSUT Radio

The episode provides an in-depth look at KSUT Radio in Southwest Colorado, a vital source of information for residents on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and surrounding areas.

• Jim Belcher, the morning host at KSUT, emphasizes the station's role: "KSUT is one of the lifelines that our listeners depend on to get the latest information out." (05:40)

• Tammy Graham, KSUT's Executive Director, discusses the funding gap: "Local fundraising can fill some, but not all of the potential federal funding gap. The rest would have to come from cuts to national programming and local reporting." (08:25)

• Sheila Naneto, Tribal Radio Manager, highlights the community's reliance on radio: "They turn on the radio to stay connected to their community and the world." (10:50)

Consequences of Funding Cuts

If federal support is withdrawn, KSUT would lose approximately 19% of its $2 million annual budget, posing a significant challenge to its operations. The station serves a politically diverse and rural audience that relies heavily on local reporting for crucial information, especially in areas with limited internet and cell service.

• Tammy Graham adds: "For our listeners, it doesn't matter if you're a Republican or Democrat or independent. You rely on information that's coming from local reporters that know the community." (09:10)

Broader Implications for Public Media

The potential cessation of federal funding could extend beyond KSUT, affecting numerous small public radio stations nationwide, particularly those serving rural and indigenous communities. The reduction in funding threatens to diminish local news coverage, exacerbating the issue of "news deserts" where few or no local news outlets exist.

• Sabri Ben Asure concludes on this segment: "Cuts to public broadcasting would not only impact national programs like Marketplace but also the essential local reporting that keeps communities informed." (12:30)

Spotlight on Latino Representation in Broadway

Shifting focus, the episode highlights the successful integration of Latino stories and talents in New York City's Broadway scene, reflecting the city's diverse demographic composition.

• Jeff London reports on two new musicals, Buena Vista Social Club and Real Women Have Curves, noting their significant Latino audiences: "60% of the people that saw the show at the Atlantic had never been there before… now 32% of our purchasers on Broadway identify as Hispanic." (15:45)

• Blanca Lasalle, a marketer for Real Women Have Curves, discusses targeted advertising: "We are doing advertising in the Spanish network and have invited personalities like Lin Manuel Miranda and Gloria Estefan to share their impressions." (18:20)

• Alicia Parker, producer of Real Women Have Curves, observes the diverse audience: "You see high school students, Broadway veterans, the Latinx community, and a wider age demographic than typical Broadway shows." (20:05)

Both musicals have received critical acclaim, with multiple Tony nominations, signaling a positive trend towards inclusivity and broader audience engagement in the theater industry.

Conclusion

The episode of Marketplace Morning Report effectively underscores the critical role of public broadcasting in providing essential information to underserved communities, highlighting the immediate threats posed by federal funding cuts. Simultaneously, it celebrates the expanding representation in Broadway, illustrating the dynamic nature of public media and the arts in reflecting America's diverse society.

Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how policy changes can ripple through local media landscapes and the importance of sustaining support for public broadcasting to maintain informed and connected communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Belcher (KSUT Radio): "KSUT is one of the lifelines that our listeners depend on to get the latest information out." (05:40)
• Tammy Graham (KSUT Executive Director): "Local fundraising can fill some, but not all of the potential federal funding gap." (08:25)
• Sheila Naneto (Tribal Radio Manager): "They turn on the radio to stay connected to their community and the world." (10:50)
• Blanca Lasalle (Marketer): "We are doing advertising in the Spanish network and have invited personalities like Lin Manuel Miranda and Gloria Estefan to share their impressions." (18:20)

For more in-depth coverage and insights, visit Marketplace.org or tune into the Marketplace podcast on your preferred platform.